Faith Notes

"Faith Notes"

                                                                                      January 29, 2010

Dear Faith Family:

 

The first three days of this week I attended a Pastor's Retreat held at the conference center in Newton.  Dr. Chris Smith was our keynote speaker.  There was a great deal of discussion around issues like health care, education, unneeded wars, lack of jobs and how this is impacting on our society.  All the crucifixion that goes on, while at the same time we have corporate board members taking home million dollar bonuses and privileged athletes driving million dollar vehicles. 

 

Then last night I sat with the new church board and listened to the discussion concerning the new church year and our finances.  In the midst of abundance there is sacristy and there is fear of what is going to happen if giving continues to never cover the cost of ministry.  At times it seems as though we are over-run with worry.  It is difficult to have faith.  It is easy to over-worry. 

 

Let me share with you what is written about worries in 2 Chronicles 34:1-7…

 

Josiah was eight years old when he became king.  He ruled for thirty-one years in Jerusalem…  When he had been king for eight years—he was still only a teenager—he began to seek the God of David his ancestor.  Four years later, the twelfth year of his reign, he set out to cleanse the neighborhood of sex-and-religion shrines, and get rid of the sacred Asherah groves and the god and goddess figurines, whether carved or cast, from Judah.  He wrecked the Baal shrines, tore down the altars connected with them, and scattered the debris and ashes over the graves of those who had worshiped at them.  He burned the bones of the priests on the same altars they had used when alive.  He scrubbed the place clean, Judah and Jerusalem, clean inside and out…  Throughout Israel he demolished the altars and Asherah groves, pulverized the god and goddess figures, chopped up the neighborhood shrines into firewood.

 

Everything we know Josiah did is supposed to make him one of the good guys in the Bible.  But his approach to things reminds me of how easily and often we over-respond to perceived threats with worry:  remember a couple of months ago when the scarcity of swine flu shots was a major crisis?  I know if you are a world-class worrier, you can see the appeal of Josiah's method.  How great would it be if you could just wipe out every trace of whatever is out there that threatens you?  The trouble is that no sooner is one worry eliminated, one false god demolished, then another one springs up to take its place.  After a while, it's pretty clear that some of us need something, anything, to be afraid of. 

 

I wonder, do our ongoing worries really function as false gods?  Do we find our only comfort in eliminating or destroying them?  Only to find ourselves fixated on yet another one?  Do we really want to spend our lives worshiping what we fear-with a break on Sunday to distract us? 

 

Prayer

 

Dear God, please call us in your grace to a place where we will be at Sabbath from worry for a little while each day.  Amen

 

                                               

 

Prayer conern…

 

Sue and Denny Renaud who spend the winter months in AZ called me early this week and shared the concerns of for following situation.  I would guess many of you have seen news reports of Gabriel in the past days and did not think of the story being connected to our faith family.   Please keep Sue and Denny's family in your prayers during this time.
 
 

Dear friends and members of Altoona Christian Church,

 

Our great-great nephew, Gabriel Johnson has been missing since Dec.27.  His mother, Elizabeth Johnson, who is Sue's brothers grand daughter was involved with a custody fight with the father, took the child to San Antonino, Texas.  He was last seen alive on Dec. 26.  She was arrested in Miami, Fl. without baby Gabriel.  She was brought back to Az. where she is presently in jail on charges of kidnapping, Custodial inference and etc.

 

We ask for prayers for baby Gabriel and his safe return.  We also ask that the Lord speak to Elizabeth to disclose where he is since she is the only one that knows at this time where nine month old baby Gabriel is.

 

 

Thank you again,

 

Sue & Denny Renaud

                                     

WEEK OF COMPASSION'S EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE CRISIS CONTINUES
Week of Compassion continues to partner with numerous humanitarian agencies to support relief work in Haiti. The earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation on Jan. 12 has killed more than 150,000 people, injured another 250,000 and left 1.5 million homeless. Working in close partnership with Church World Service and Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance, the generous gifts and offerings made by Disciples are helping to provide food, water, medical supplies and temporary shelter. Aid is getting through. Despite media reports, WoC Executive Director Amy Gopp says longstanding partnerships in the region are facilitating the flow of supplies to many who need it. To view an ACT Alliance YouTube video on Haiti, go to: www.tinyurl.com/acthaiti.

Week of Compassion also asks that Disciples continue to be creative, resourceful and discerning about ways to best assist the people of Haiti. Brandon Gilvin, Associate Director of WoC, reminds Disciples that a very specific skill set is required of volunteers assisting with relief efforts, and that a system of support for individuals or church volunteers to provide on-site aid has not yet been developed. Week of Compassion continues to welcome your contributions. To donate and to find out ways various churches are helping, visit Week of Compassion's Haiti Relief page at www.weekofcompassion.org/haiti

Here at Altoona Christian Church we will continue to have our special offering "Haiti" basket in the center isle of our worship center.  We are collecting one more week to help purchase materials for Meals from the Heartland.  Please mark your offering if it is for Meals from the Heartland.  All other offerings are sent to "Week of Compassion-Haiti."  Our first week's offerings were $490.  Our gifts last week to Meals from the Heartland were $295  

                                     

DISCIPLES CONGREGATION IN INDIANA TURNS SALE OF CHURCH INTO BLESSING FOR MANY
An Indiana Disciples congregation has found a way to make joy out of sadness. First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in South Bend has distributed three-fourths of the money it received from the sale of its building to a number of church-related causes. The 160-year-old congregation was forced to sell its cavernous facility when membership dropped from a high of about 400 to 35. But all was not lost. The church gave $257,000 from the proceeds of the sale to the Christian Church Foundation, which has created a permanent fund with interest supporting the congregation's chosen causes in perpetuity. The church also divided another $128,000 among three Disciples congregations and several charities.

"To maintain a large building like that was taking all of our money that we had saved, and we were about to run out, so the decision was made a year and a half ago to sell the building," said John Chenoweth, president of the congregation. Among the Disciples churches that were gifted by First Christian were Central Christian Church in Elkhart, First Christian Church in Mishawaka, and Southside Christian Church in South Bend. To learn more, see:
www.disciples.org/tabid/58/itemid/509/Sale-of-160YearOld-Indiana-Disciples-Church.aspx

                                                           

2009 Giving Statements
 
Please stop by at your convenience to pick up your giving statement. The statements will eb in the church office during the week or on the table in the Narthex on Sunday morning.
 
If you're unable to stop by the church and would like it mailed to you, just send me an email to let me know or call the church office at 967-4382.
 
Cheri

                                               

The Church needs you to volunteer!! We need volunteers for the following team leaders for each team of the Ministry Council.  I will be contacting people this week but I hope and pray you will call and volunteer.  (314-6494)

• Christian Nurture…Christian education opportunities for all church members, including Sunday School, Vacation Bible school; children's and youth fellowship; maintain the library and historical records of the Congregation; meet with and support the Pastor(s) as Pastoral/Parish liaisons and other special opportunities as directed by the Ministry Council.
• Outreach & Mission…Planning and coordination of outreach and mission opportunities at local, regional, national and world levels; ongoing support of the local food pantry; determine use of outreach monies from accumulated investment interest; and other special opportunities as directed by the Ministry Council. 

 

                                               

Next Sunday, February 7^th…the members of the church board, the elders and the Ministry Council team leaders will be recognized, lifted up in prayer with laying on of hands at a time in our 10:15 worship service.  We hope and pray that each of you can be present. 

Prayers, Joys, & Concerns:

 

In our Thoughts and Prayers: Eleanor Miller; Becky & Jay Rosenberger's grandson, Nickolas Cecchi;

Ken and Carla Briggs' grandson, Keaton Pratt; Carol Genovese's sister, Georgia Kost; the Barron family and Irv's sister, Betty Darst; Joe Procyk Sr.; Marvin & Juanita Sheets; Alex Champion; Maddie Landwehr; Charlie Mayfield; Wendy Todd's aunt, Mrs. Bristow; Wendy Miles' father, brother, Randy Rawson, and her godmother, Ruth Carpenter; Doris Wolf; Michele Taylor; Les Hill;  Sheila Santos' sister, Renita Lewis; Carol Sutton; Lonita McLean's cousin's daughter, Karli Bruxboort; Connie Miers' father, Leroy Iverson; the Shaw family, Davier Jones, Carrolyn Stroud's son's mother-in-law, Janice Beller, Tammie Palazzo and her family; Jodi Nelson's friend, Cindy; Ellis Monk; Jim Rose; Doug Teuber; Blaine Moats' nephew, Isaac; Paulette Craggs' friend, Sharon; Vee Rehor; Alan Petre; Judi Webb's friend, Chuck, Wilma Schick; and to the Renaud family.

We remember Rich Webb, Judi Webb's husband, who has been called to active duty, and we continue to remember all others serving our country.

 

February Birthdays: Feb. 2^nd Larry Ramseyer, Feb. 4^th Paul Gregory, Feb. 6^th Johnathn Brown and Ellis Monk, Feb. 7^th Michael Briggs and Trevor Casey, Feb. 8^th Beverly Lowe

February Anniversaries: Feb. 7^th Bob and Georgia Woodward, Feb.14^th Doris and Clint Wolf,

Feb. 21^st Gordon and Nancy Gill

 

Calendar Week of Jan.  31^st - Feb. 7^th, 2010

(Today) Sun. Jan. 31^st - Sunday Morning Worship services 8:15am & 10:15am,               

Sunday School classes at 9:15am for all ages welcome, SNL 5-7pm

Mon. Feb. 1^st - Scouts 4-5:30pm, 6-7pm

Tues. Feb. 2^nd - T.O.P.S. 8-11:30am, Daisys 5:30-6:30pm, Tiger Scouts 6:30-7:45pm, Learn/Ring Bells 7pm

Wed. Feb. 3^rd - M&M Puppets and Youth Chime Choir 2-4:30pm, Bell Choir 7pm

Thurs. Feb. 4^th - Scouts 5-6pm, Scouts 6-7:15pm, Mixed Blessing Quartet 6:30pm, Choir 7pm

Sun. Feb. 7^th - Sunday Morning Worship services 8:15am & 10:15am, Sunday School classes at 9:15am for all ages welcome, Elder meeting 11:30am

Souper Bowl Sunday Potluck – Following the 2^nd service on Feb. 7^th the SNL Youth and their families will    host a soup luncheon for our congregation. Please come and enjoy some good hot soup and great fellowship. A freewill offering will be collected to raise money for our local Christian Food Pantry.

SNL- Super Bowl Party at Pastor Natalie's house 5-8pm. Information provided at SNL Sun. Jan. 31^st.

 

Announcements:

Sunday Night Live Dinners– Thanks to everyone who's volunteered so far to prepare meals for our SNL youth. We've had an overwhelming response that meals all the way through the month of March have been taken care of. J Even though the end of March and the month of April seem far away if you'd like to volunteer to prepare meals for the youth on Sun.  March 21^st, March 28^th, or any Sunday in April, please see Pastor Natalie or email her at peaceweaver@live.com or call 991-2359. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Food Pantry Sunday- Feb. 21^st. Items needed are pancake mix, syrup, PB and crackers, Mac/Cheese dinners, spaghetti/sauce, soups, canned veggies, tuna /salmon, canned fruit & juices, and pasta noodles.  Personal hygiene items needed: soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, diapers, and sanitary napkins.

Please remember monetary donations are always welcomed at the Food Pantry too.

 

Salvation Army Casseroles- Please pick one or more aluminum casserole pans and a recipe sheet.  After baked, cover tightly with tin foil, & place in the church freezer.  There is plenty of room in the freezer at this time.  Goal for this year will be 65 casseroles.   We are also in need of plastic grocery bags.  There is a tall box by the Food Pantry grocery cart that these bags may be deposited into. 

 

"PHILIA" is Greek for "Love of Friends" It's also the name of a small group fellowship with friends from Altoona Christian Church. The group meets one day out of each month to join together for fellowship and fun. The first gathering is Fri. Feb. 12th 7pm with bowling at AMF Bowling Center at 14th & Euclid Des Moines. Please RSVP by Feb. 5th to Stephanie Hosier 967-5961 or Pastor Natalie Ervin 991-2359.

Our March gathering will be a Wine Tasting hosted at the Hosier's home. Join us March 12th 7pm.

Cheese & fruit provided. Please bring a bottle of wine to share.  RSVP to Stephanie or Natalie by

Fri. Mar. 5th. Stephanie and Mike Hosier's home address is 2404 Guenever Ct. Altoona.

                                                                                                                                         

Women of Faith – Over the Top March 12-13^th, 2010 Vets Auditorium Fri. 10am-3:30pm & 7-9:30pm and Sat. 9am-4pm. Tickets available for $79. Please contact Stacey Lilly (LCC) for tickets 967-2558.

 

                                     

Maddie's Angles Cookbook… We are going to do a fundraiser for Fanconi Anemia. We are in the process of doing a cookbook called Maddies Angels cookbook! So we need a recipe from all of Maddies special people in her life that have known her a long time or for a short time. Or is her doctor, family, teacher, neighbors, clowns, police officers, mayors, friends, nurses, and hospitals she has gone to, and the list goes on. Please help us with a special recipe we will write it in her cookbook and how you know Maddie. Send your recipe to Nancy_Landwehr@msn.com or send it to our address 2106 Country Cove Lane Altoona Ia 50009. Please do this by February 6.  We will then be selling the books after they are published. Maddie wants to help Fanconi Anemia Foundation. Thank you so much! Recipes here we come. Nancy and Maddie

                                               

This Sunday is Lay Sunday.  We hope you will gather with us for worship as we seek to worship, give thanks and grow.  Blessings to each one of you. 

Keep Dancing in the Spirit,

 

Ken

P.S…  Carrie Newcomer In Concert… Thursday, February 18 at 7:00 P.M. at First Christian Church Tickets are $20 or $15 in advance for church members or online at www.iowatix.com .  Barbara Kingsolver, author of "The Poisonwood Bible" says… "To my mind—a writer's mind—Carrie Newcomer is much more than a musician.  She's a poet, storyteller, snake-charmer, good neighbor, friend and lover, minister of the wide-eyed gospel of hope and grace.  All this, and she comes with a voice that declares, "Sit down here a minute and listen"  Who could ask for more?"   

News Letter Article

Cheri:
 
Here is my article for the Welcome News and The Thank You for Christmas. 
 
Ken

Faith Notes

"Faith Notes"

                                                                                                   January 21, 2010

Dear Faith Family:

 

This past week I have been doing some reading and sharing with friends about how we keep in touch with God by developing spiritual rhythms in our lives.  I find when life is it's most stressful I must be more aware of the rhythms in my life and be extra sure I am aware of the spiritual movement in and around my being.  When each of you is as busy as you are I am more concerned then you would guess with the health of your spiritual rhythms. 

 

Exodus 16:21, 29… Morning by morning they gathered [manna], as much as they needed…

"See!  The Lord has given you the Sabbath." 

 

Part of Moses' job as a spiritual leader was to establish rhythm for life in a community that would sustain the people and help them live as human beings in the presence of Almighty God.  First of all there were daily rhythms of receiving their sustenance from the hand of God.  They gathered as much as they needed each morning.  Along with all the rhythms of life they maintained the rhythms of Sabbath.  Moses gave the people instruction as to the way they would observe the Sabbath. 

 

As a pastor I often question myself as to how the prophetic voice should be lifted up to challenge the priorities of Sabbath in our lives.  How do we give space so spirituality may overflow in all our lives? 

 

I think we are blessed with inner rhythms that tell us where we are, and where we are going.  No matter, then our fifty and sixty hour work weeks, the refusing to stop for lunch, the bypassing sleep and working deep into the darkness.  If we stop, if we return to rest, our natural state reasserts itself.  Our natural wisdom and balance come to our aid, and we can find our way to what is good, necessary and true. 

 

I often ask though, do we realize that we are seeking a way of life that is counter to the dominant culture?  Do we realize how important it is for us to give each other support in seeking a life that is good for us here and now?  It is in community with others who are seeking the same goodness that we can and should be able to discover that goodness.  We need a community where as we participate together our lives are shaped in positive ways in our relationship with God and to live responsibly in the world.  I see this as a part of being Disciples together.

 

As you meditate on these thoughts I leave you with this poem written by Ruth Barton…

 

Sometimes on the Sabbath

All you can do is

                settle into the soft body of yourself

                                and listen to what it says.

 

Listen to

                the exhaustion that is deeper than tiredness

                                the hunger that is for more than food

                                                the thirst that is for more than drink

                                                                the longing for comfort that is more than physical.     

 

On the Sabbath

body and soul reach out for time of a different sort

                time that is full of space rather than activity:

                                time to watch the burning bush in your own back yard…

                                                the movement of the wind among bare branches…

                                                                the last leaf clinging to the branch before its final letting go.

 

Letting go is hard,

                letting go of that which no longer works

                                that which no longer brings joy and meaning

                                                that which is no longer full of life. 

 

It seems cruel

That something that used to be so beautiful

                should fall to the ground

                                sinking into the earthy mud along with everything else that is dying,

                                                no longer recognizable for what it used to be. 

 

It seems cruel but it is the way of things.

 

One generation gives its life for the next.

                One season slips away so another can come.

                                One crop of fruit falls from the tree so that more can be borne.

                                                One wave recedes while another gathers strength to crash

                                                                upon the shore.

 

It seems cruel

                but it is the rhythm of things.

                                And rhythm has its own beauty. 

 

Use your time in solitude today to notice your own rhythms—or lack of them!  You might consider the rhythms of solitude and community, work and rest, stillness and action, silence and word, engagement and retreat.  How are these rhythms present in your life daily and weekly?  How do you experience them nurturing and sustaining your physical life and your life in God?  Allow this noticing to deepen your commitment to these life-giving rhythms. 

                                               

 

*From the Desk of Pastor Natalie

 

When asked what the youth wanted to see happen in 2010, their overwhelming response was that they wanted to serve others.  When the devastation in Haiti was brought to their attention…they said that they wanted to make a difference. So it seems fitting that the Youth of Altoona Christian Church are focusing on hunger awareness during the month of February. We will be participating in two efforts to bring awareness to our faith community and to our sister churches.  On February 7^th I hope you will join us as we gather together to raise funds for our local food pantry through the Souper Bowl of Caring Luncheon.  A variety of soups will be shared as we are reminded to give generously to those who are in greatest need.  On February 26-27 our youth ages 6^th grade and up will be joining other youth groups from the area in a 30 Hour Famine. The youth will spend the time fasting as they learn about issues of poverty and hunger around the world. Before we attend the Famine the youth will be collecting donations that will aid in Haitian Relief through World Vision. Please consider being an example of service and lift up our youth as they reach out in love. Donations for both events can be made at anytime.

The youth will also be participating in a Mission Trip to Omaha this summer. We will begin our fundraising in early March. Thank you for teaching the youth of this faith community to have servant hearts!

__________________________________

 

 

 

 

Upcoming SNL Events

 

SNL Youth Calendar

February 7^th Souper Bowl of Caring Luncheon-

                   immediately following 10:15 service

                    Super Bowl Party at Natalie's House

                   (4507 NE  19^th Ave North) 5-8ish

February 14 SNL

February 21 SNL-plan fundraisers for Mission Omaha 2010

February 26-27 30 Hour Famine at Waukee Christian Church 6pm Friday to                            6pm Saturday (6^th grade and up)

February 28 SNL

March 7 SNL

March 14 NO SNL due to Spring Break

March 21 SNL

March 28 SNL

__________________________________

  

Prayers, Joys, & Concerns

 

In our Thoughts and Prayers: Eleanor Miller; Becky & Jay Rosenberger's grandson, Nickolas Cecchi;

Ken and Carla Briggs' grandson, Keaton Pratt; Carol Genovese's sister, Georgia Kost; the Barron family and Irv's sister, Betty Darst; Joe Procyk Sr.; Marvin & Juanita Sheets; Alex Champion; Maddie Landwehr; Charlie Mayfield; Wendy Todd's aunt, Mrs. Bristow; Wendy Miles' father, brother, Randy Rawson, and her godmother, Ruth Carpenter; Doris Wolf; Michele Taylor's niece, Amanda Miles and her friend Gary Hampton; Les Hill;  Sheila Santos' sister, Renita Lewis; Linda Lighthall; Carol Sutton; Lonita McLean's cousin's daughter, Karli Bruxboort; Connie Miers' father, Leroy Iverson; the Shaw family, Davier Jones, Carrolyn Stroud's son's mother-in-law, Janice Beller, Tammie Palazzo and her family; Jodi Nelson's friend, Cindy; Ellis Monk; Jim Rose; Doug Teuber; Blaine Moats' nephew, Isaac; Norma Stuart's friend, Marvel Hall; Paulette Craggs' friend, Sharon; Vee Rehor; Alan Petre; Judi Webb's friend, Chuck, and Wilma Schick;

We remember Rich Webb, Judi Webb's husband, who has been called to active duty, and we continue to remember all others serving our country.

 

January Birthdays: Jan. 26^th Judi DeMoss and Mike Nelson, Jan. 27^th Bill Ingle, Larry Cullinan,      

Jan. 28^th Nancy Gill and Amy Heinrich, and Jan. 30^th Derek Hills and Donald Hills

January Anniversaries: Jan. 30^th Tim and Diane Burget

 

Calendar Week of Jan.  24^th – 31^st, 2010

(Today) Sun. Jan. 24^th - Sun. services 8:15 & 10:15am, Sunday School  9:15am for all ages, SNL 5-7pm

SNL Bowling Party – Please meet at church at 2:30pm. We'll drive out to AMF Bowling Center at 14th & Euclid DSM. We will be back about 5:30pm.  Contact Natalie at 991-2359 if you're planning to participate. Mon. Jan. 25th - Scouts 4-5:30pm, 6-7pm & 7-8pm, Christian Nurture 6pm, Board meeting 7pm Tues.  Jan.  26th - T.O.P.S. 8:30-11:30am and CWF 12pm Wed. Jan. 27th –M&M Puppets and Youth Chime Choir 2-4:30pm, Bell Choir 7pm Thurs. Jan. 28th - Scouts 5-6pm, Scouts 6:30-7:45pm, Mixed Blessing Quartet 6:30pm, Choir 7pm Sun. Jan. 31st – Sun. services 8:15 & 10:15am, Sunday School  9:15am for all ages, SNL 5-7pm   Announcements: Sunday Night Live Dinners– Thanks to everyone who's volunteered so far to prepare meals for our SNL youth. We've had such an overwhelming  response that meals all the way through the month of March have been taken care of. J Even though the end of March and the month of April seem far away if you'd like to volunteer to prepare meals for the youth on Sun.  March 21st, March 28th, or any Sunday in April, please see Pastor Natalie or email her at peaceweaver@live.com or call 991-2359. Any help is greatly appreciated!     Souper Bowl Sunday Potluck – Following the 2nd service on Feb. 7th the SNL Youth and their families will    hold a soup luncheon for our congregation. Please come and enjoy some good hot soup and great fellowship.   Food Pantry Sunday- Feb. 21st. Items needed are pancake mix, syrup, PB and crackers, Mac/Cheese dinners, spaghetti/sauce, soups, canned veggies, tuna /salmon, canned fruit & juices, and pasta noodles.  Personal hygiene items needed:soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, diapers, and sanitary napkins. Please remember monetary donations are always welcomed at the Food Pantry too.     Children's Church's Volunteer Schedule is posted outside Pastor Natalie's office.   Women of Faith – Over the Top March 12-13th, 2010 Vets Auditorium Fri. 10am-3:30pm & 7-9:30pm and Sat. 9am-4pm. Tickets available for $79. _________________________   "PHILIA" is Greek for "Love of Friends"   It's also the name of a small group fellowship with friends from Altoona Christian Church. The group meets one day out of each month to join together for fellowship and fun. The first gathering is Fri. Feb. 12th 7pm with bowling at AMF Bowling Center at 14th & Euclid Des Moines. Please RSVP by Feb. 5th to Stephanie Hosier 967-5961 or Pastor Natalie Ervin 991-2359. Our March gathering will be a Wine Tasting hosted at the Hosier's home. Join us March 12th 7pm. Cheese & fruit provided. Please bring a bottle of wine to share.  RSVP to Stephanie or Natalie by Fri. Mar. 5th. Stephanie and Mike Hosier's home address is 2404 Guenever Ct. Altoona. ___________________________   ***CWF meeting Tues. Jan 26th at 12pm   I don't know how many of you have seen the animated film "Up". I went to it with grandchildren expecting it to be for kids. I was surprised that it is also a story for "US"! Bring your potluck contribution and we'll eat and then if you can stay for the movies, I'll be showing it in the library. Hope you can make it on the 26th?   Georgia W.                Week of Compassion Update   Congratulations!  You have already sent $430 on its way to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti.  Remember that we can continue to help through our giving each week.  Any funds that are given to Week of Compassion each Sunday was sent immediately to the Week of Compassion office on Monday.     I invited you to read the following update...

Your Gifts Already at Work in Haiti Through the largest global alliance of Christian humanitarian agencies, Action by Churches Together (ACT), Week of Compassion is already on the ground in Haiti.  Your generous gifts and offerings are already at work.  In the chaos of aid distribution, ACT Alliance members, including Church World Service (CWS), are managing to get food, temporary shelter, water cleaning materials and expertise to the Haitian capital.   Prospery Raymond, country manager for ACT member Christian Aid, reports he is concerned there may not otherwise be enough food in the country to last more than a few days.  The streets are still thronged with homeless people, walking for hours to find food and water.  As well as widespread destruction of homes, schools and other buildings, major damage has been done to key water, electricity and road systems.   Port-au-Prince's heavily congested airport is finally allowing some aid to get through.   Proud to be part of one of the largest alliances working on relief in Haiti, Week of Compassion is grateful for our partners in the ACT Alliance.  Currently, there are four member church agencies working in-country:    ·                         Christian Aid reports it has started distributing food and tents, hygiene kits, blankets, jerry cans and water purifiers to 15,000 people in eight communities, targeting areas getting little help from other agencies.  It has also sent in a medical team through a specialist healthcare organization.  CA hopes to source food from markets in Haiti if possible, but all other items will definitely need to come in from outside. The team in Haiti is co-coordinating with colleagues in the Dominican Republic to source materials there where possible. ·                         Lutheran World Federation is constructing a camp for ACT members at its compound, with additional space for member staff.  Cooking facilities are provided, and Internet connection is good.  Water supply is problematic.  LWF plans to recruit supplementary staff.     ·                         Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe has programmed delivery of 15 tons of food relief together with Caritas Germany. ·                         Lutheran World Relief plans to send a shipment of food products. ·                         Church World Service and Christian Aid offices are ready to serve as a base for receiving emergency items.  ACT member staff in Santo Domingo is on the way to Haiti, including CWS staff member Don Tatlock.   ·                         Norwegian Church Aid is prioritizing water sanitation equipment and psychosocial work.  It has sent a team of water engineers, a communicator and a logistician.  Two Norwegian advisors with expertise in gender and children's' protection are also going. ACT members report that buildings remain very fragile and continue to collapse.  Rain has compounded the situation of the million people without shelter. The border with the Dominican Republic remains insecure. Health risks of contagious diseases are getting serious. Other towns are also badly affected and many areas outside Port-au-Prince remain unexplored. A number of staff from ACT members in the country remain unaccounted for-we are still searching for them since the earthquake.     The United Nations has launched an appeal for $562 million intended to help three million people for six months. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon describes the situation as one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades and implored for calm in the beleaguered capital.  The number of dead is still unknown, with estimates ranging from 50,000 to 200,000, the BBC reports. In the midst of this horrific tragedy, we can be comforted knowing that we are doing something. We are already there, thanks to our amazing partnerships.  We are not helpless. Together, we can do so much.  God is there, too.   Even in the rubble.   Let us keep the faith.   Thank you for your courageous compassion at such a time as this. - Amy Gopp

  __________________________

 

Please continue to pray and pray some more for the people of Haiti and the people who are on the ground in Haiti doing everything they can to deliver help.

 

This Sunday during worship each of you will have another opportunity to help.  You may bring your gifts to present to help purchase as many ingredients as possible for the packaging of "Meals from the Heartland".  The week of February 22 the meals will be packaged.  We will have a sign-up for people to help package those meals.  For now, realize that for every $50 given, ingredients for 600 meals can be purchased, packaged and transported to Haiti.  That will feed 10 children for one month.

 

I pray each of us will give from our hearts.  If you write a check to the church put  "Meals from the Heartland" in the "for" line.  If you give cash put it in an envelope marked for "Meals from the Heartland".  Again, there will be a basket in the middle isle to place your gifts in.      

Please remember, they are only able to package and ship food to Haiti that is purchased in advance, so your tax-deductible gift is important.

                            

 

As we gather for worship this Sunday morning come with the expectation of a wonderful encounter with God.  The choir will bring a special anthem.  In our sanctuary there will be warmth from our heating system but better yet there will be enough spiritual warmth to go around.  This is a place where God's family, no matter who you are or where you are on the journey of life, you are welcome.  We gather here to celebrate our God's gift of life and support each other in our life journey.  I look forward to being in worship with each of you this Sunday.  I know we will have a special encounter with God and community.

 

Keep Dancing in the Spirit,

                 

Ken